may we ask

USAGE SUMMARY

'may we ask' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a polite request. For example, "May we ask what time the event starts?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And who, may we ask, are the unpatriotic Europeans?

The Guardian - Opinion

The dynamic between these two in the "May we ask for your daughter's hand in marriage?" scenes was electric.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If so, may we ask how this squares with the accusation that the Iraqi regime is a paid-up member of the Axis of Evil and a threat to world peace?

The Guardian

Nice work, Hugh, but may we ask a question?

Forbes

May we ask her age?

The New York Times

May we ask him where such apology would end?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

That is fair enough, but may we not ask whether that money would have been better spent elsewhere?

Independent

It may be that we ask too much of the Public.

The New York Times

As many gene pairs may be identified, we ask whether these pairs are of biological significance.

BMC Genomics

If your work directly competes with our analysis we may ask that we have the opportunity to submit a manuscript before you submit one that uses our data.

University of California, Berkeley

We may ask why we are "spending so much to give poor people 'Cadillac health care' and nothing else," he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may we ask" to introduce a question politely, especially when addressing someone in a formal setting or when seeking information that might be considered sensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "may we ask" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can we ask" or a direct question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may we ask" primarily functions as a polite interrogative opener. It is used to introduce a question or request for information in a courteous manner. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable English phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its usage in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may we ask" serves as a polite and formal way to introduce a question or inquiry. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its use is particularly apt in scenarios demanding politeness or when addressing sensitive subjects. Although versatile, it's essential to avoid overusing it in casual settings, as this may lead to an overly formal tone. Consider alternatives such as "can we ask" or "could we ask" for more informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may we inquire about

Replaces "ask" with "inquire" and specifies the subject of the inquiry.

could we inquire

Replaces "ask" with "inquire", adding a touch more formality.

might we ask

Substitutes "may" with "might" to express slightly more hesitancy or politeness.

would you mind telling us

Shifts the focus to the other party's willingness to share information.

can we ask

Uses "can" instead of "may", making it a slightly less formal request.

is it permissible to ask

Introduces a more formal and explicit request for permission to ask.

could you possibly tell us

Adds emphasis on the politeness of the request.

we would like to know

Expresses a desire for information in a polite manner.

we are curious to know

Indicates interest and invites the other party to share information.

if you don't mind us asking

Phrases the request with concern for the other person's comfort level.

FAQs

How can I use "may we ask" in a sentence?

You can use "may we ask" to politely introduce a question. For example, "May we ask about your experience in the field?" or "May we ask what your plans are for the future?"

What is a less formal alternative to "may we ask"?

If you want to sound less formal, you can use alternatives such as "can we ask" or simply phrase your question directly. For instance, instead of "May we ask your opinion?", you could say "Can we get your opinion?" or "What's your opinion?"

Is it always appropriate to use "may we ask"?

While "may we ask" is generally considered polite, it's not always necessary. In very casual settings, it can come across as overly formal. Consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use this phrase.

What's the difference between "may we ask" and "could we ask"?

"May we ask" and "could we ask" are both polite ways to ask a question. However, "may we ask" is generally considered slightly more formal than "could we ask". The choice between the two often depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.